One Degree of Freedom

I can’t imagine that Taryn Hutchison, while writing her new novel One Degree of Freedom, ever guessed that its November 17th publication would be so timely.

But timely it is. Arriving smack in the midst of the USA’s churning, the book drops readers into 1987 Romania as the dictator Ceaușescu’s oppression and censorship foster corruption, dehumanize society, steal privacy and create pervasive mistrust and secrecy.

I didn’t want to be there. Fortunately, the author quickly attached me to her authentic, engaging protagonist Adriana and a host of well-drawn characters. Throughout the suspenseful, tightly plotted, and conceptually accurate narrative, I yearned for their safety, even as I celebrated their resilience and love.

Invested, I stayed up late to finish this one. Had to see how freedom—of speech, of worship, of mobility—and the chilling loss of it—affected these people I cared about. Had to learn how and where they found respite.

It’s a compelling story about choice and imagination, faith and fear, and is sure to engage adults and young adults alike. I hope this book finds its way into schools far and wide.

And I pray we take its cautions to heart.

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And IN AN EGGSHELL, here are SM posts from earlier this week:

When you just need a promise.”

I am he who will sustain you.”

—Isaiah 46:4

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When teens jump the fence.

Remember not the sins of my youth . . .Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O LORD.

—Psalm 25:7

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Let your imagination run.

“The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace . . . .”

—Revelation 1:14-15

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Hangers-on.

“But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. “

—Genesis 19:26

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GIVEAWAY! 🌟☄️💥

This week’s winner of THE VIEW FROM GOOSE RIDGE is Rita Buhr! Congratulations, Rita! Send me your mailing address and I’ll get a copy right off to you.

To celebrate the 20th birthday of this collection of devotional essays set in rural Washington State, I’ll be giving away four more copies. To enter this week’s drawing, just drop your name HERE.